Get to know Tassie with Jack Lark

The son of Lyn and Bill Lark – pioneers of Australian craft spirits who founded Tasmania’s Lark Distillery – is striking out on his own. Head distiller at Hobart’s Battery Point Distillery, Jack Lark creates small-batch, handcrafted whiskies, as well as House of Lenna gin.

Q. Why do you like living and working in Tasmania, especially from a drinks perspective?

I am enamoured with the exclusivity and camaraderie that is present in the industry. We all get along, and help each other out when we need it – whether it be with sharing equipment or knowledge. I believe that this is the main reason for our success as a booming industry, as well as the fact that we all make great products.

Q. What’s special about Battery Point Distillery’s whisky?

It’s hard to be unique in a blossoming industry like the Tasmanian one, especially one where we create a product that can only contain three ingredients (water, barley, yeast). Whilst we are only a small distillery that pumps out 60 litres of spirit a week, I am focusing more on marrying our casks together to create a consistent product of a high quality, rather than solely releasing single-cask bottlings.

Q. Which Tasmanian distillery isn’t well known to visitors but should be on their wish list?

Definitely check out Killara Distillery in Richmond, which is owned and operated by my sister. She’s a legend and has been in the industry since she was a teenager. She puts an abundance of effort into every detail, from the product itself to the packaging and distillery experience.

Q. Tasmania has some famous wineries, but which one should visitors check out that is less well known?

Oh, I am a sucker for Domaine A. They make my favourite full-bodied Tasmanian red wine. There isn’t much else to say, other than… get there!

Q. What are your go-to bars in Hobart?

You have to head to Gold Bar in Salamanca. It’s a bit of an industry watering hole. The owner and head bartender Ian is a wizard who wields a cocktail shaker. There is no menu. You just tell the staff what you want, or how you’re feeling, and they will concoct the perfect drink.

Faro at Mona is my favourite place to hang on a Sunday. The food is 10/10 and the drinks are expertly created.

Q. What’s a great places to enjoy drinks with other pleasures?

The top of my list is Sonny on Elizabeth Street. It’s a cute little wine bar that serves Italian bar snacks and pumps vinyls all night. The staff are incredibly personable, and it doesn’t take long to become their friend. Their cucumber-anchovy toast blows my mind every time I head in there. You have to try it.

Q. What other under-the-radar Tasmanian drinks experiences can you recommend?

These are all so worth a try – so make sure you try at least one of them when you are in Tassie!

• The Winston: American barbecue and juicy burgers.
• La Sardina Loca: great vibes and authentic Spanish food.
• Home Hill Winery: set in the heart of the Huon Valley.
• Frank’s Cider: a family owned, award-winning cider producer in Cygnet.
• Bar Wa Izakaya: head here for Japanese food and the BEST ramen in Hobart.
• Rude Boy: move over KFC, this fried chicken will blow your mind.
• Willing Bros: a true neighbourhood gem, a buzzing wine bar serving honest food.

Love a good whisky? How about a single malt, aged for two years in fortified casks on board Spirit of Tasmania, constantly moving with the flow of Bass Strait? The Lark and Spirit of Tasmania release is coming soon – and it’ll be one of the most unique whiskies you’ll ever try.

Register to be the first to know when this special limited edition Lark whisky from Spirit of Tasmania goes on sale -  enter your details here.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.